Pages

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

BOOK REVIEW: When God Whispers Loudly by Chris M. Hibbard

This apocryphal story is about what happens when a busy man hurries
home to attend his daughter's piano recital while his mind is on the
disappointment of not getting a promotion at work. He considers whether he
would have had more career success if he hadn't spent so much time with his
family. He feels they don't appreciate the sacrifices he makes for them. His
rage grows as the weather worsens and when he calls out to God for answers, to
the wrong questions, he ends up in the hospital after his car goes off the road
and turns over several times.

When God Whispers Loudly reminds me of the classic movie,
It's a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart, in that the husband in both
stories gets a chance to look into the future to see the past.

I was moved as I read the story because I remember how my
three children grew up so fast while I struggled with my job. I justified my
time away from them by telling myself I was doing it for them. If I had it to
do over, and with what I know now, I would do it differently.

This story is available as an e-book only and would be about
ten pages if printed. However, as I read it, I couldn't help thinking it has the
feel of a longer book. I could see it being expanded into a novella or even a
novel by fleshing out the characters and gradually introducing the plot.

Unlike Sandra, God shouts at me because I am so stubborn, hard of hearing and stiffnecked, I ignore His gentle whispers. But however He does it, it is wonderful to know we have such a powerful protector who will not stop until He gets our attention. I like what is said here about Chris' book and will read it soon.